Borgo Pass Horror Podcast

Jim & Livio tackle one story across two movies - we cover the Tod Browning & Lon Chaney silent classic West of Zanibar. We also touch on the 1932 remake, Kongo staring Walter Huston. Our main focus is on West of Zanibar - a very modern and stylistic Tod Browning/Lon Chaney collaboration that also features Lionel Barrymore. While this isn't a supernatural style horror film, it's a dark thriller with many twists and turns. Enjoy the ride as the Borgo Pass travels West of Zanibar!

New guest-host Karie Bible, host of Hollywood Kitchen, pays a visit to the Borgo Pass podcast cave and lends her extensive knowledge to our analysis of 1936's THE DEVIL DOLL: a dark drag drama that mashes up revenge, voodoo and cross-dressing, starring Lionel Barrymore and directed by Tod Browning.

Castle of Horror's Jason Henderson joins Jim Towns to discuss the original 1958 THE BLOB, starring a 27-year-old, up-and-coming Steve McQueen.

This... is the Inner Sanctum! Join Jim & Livio as they again travel into the mind of a man going mad with the thought of having murdered someone. This 1944 Inner Sanctum movie stars Lon Chaney, Jr, Martin Kosleck, Douglass Dumbrille, and Milburn Stone. Jim & Livio break down the story, performances, and production history in this episode. Yes, even you without knowing... can commit murder!

On today's episode, Jim & Livio sit down with Thomas Hamilton. Tom made the documentary "Boris Karloff: Man Behind The Monster", and is now in production on "Vincent Price: The Art of Living". Tom shares with us stories of how this came to be, we discuss Price throughout his career, as well as touching on several other people that intersected with his life. Tom has a Kickstarter campaign out now for this project - check out the details, and enjoy the episode!

Writer, animator and top-tier Monster Kid Frank Dietz joins Jim Towns in the Borgo Pass podcast cave to discuss 1958's Attack of the 50 Foot Woman!

Join Jim & Livio as they once again travel to Paris and are witness to the crimes of the person known as 'Bluebeard'. Made in 1944 and directed by Edgar G. Ulmer (The Black Cat, 1934) and starring John Carradine. Carradine delivers one of his finest performances as the tortured, yet evil Gaston Morrell. The film also stars Jean Parker, Nils Asther, Ludwig Stossel, and Sonia Sorrell. What on the surface seems like a typical 1940's PRC quickie horror movie, it quickly turns to a fantastically dark, moody, and deep horror film. This is truly a hidden gem of the 40's horror cycle! We discuss the movie itself, the actors, Ulmer, and the production. You don't want to miss this! The Regular Guy Movie ShowIn this podcast, three longtime friends revisit the movies they grew up with to...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Join Jim Towns and returning guest co-host David Ullman as they delve into the dark secrets of this 1941 neon-gothic sci-fi thriller from Columbia. Boris Karloff gives a really outstanding and sympathetic performance as a kindhearted scientist whose grief over his wife's death leads him to push the boundaries between the world of the living, and the world of the dead.

We deep dive into the town of Desert Rock, Arizona and discover the results of Professor Deemer's experiments that have resulted in giant rabbits, guinea pigs, and... a tarantula! This episode breaks down this well produced 1955 thriller, it's stars, as well as Livio's fear of spiders and Jim's fear of John Agar!

Jim & Livio take you to the village of Kleinschloss, where the villagers fear a vampire who is killing it's citizens - or is it really a vampire? We cover this 1933 Majestic Pictures film that stars Lionel Atwill, Fay Wray, Melvyn Douglas, and Dwight Frye. Though made from a 'poverty row' studio, this film uses several Universal players, the sets from Frankenstein and The Old Dark House, and has some great performances! Grab some apples, epsom salt, and your favorite furry bat and join us as we discuss this great movie!

Celebrate the event of the year with your favorite horror hosts! On January 16, 2021 the Borgo Pass Horror Podcast began.. 4 years later, we're still going strong thanks to YOU, our audience! Jim and Livio have a conversation about the podcast, and preview the exciting new content and projects to come! Plus, hear from some of our guest hosts over the last 4 years!

Welcome Borgo Pass travelers to a special episode! Jim & Livio sit down with Bill Fleck, author of the Rondo nominated "Chaney's Baby" to discuss his latest book "Chaney's Audition" and the ever polarizing life and career of Lon Chaney, Jr. We discuss everything from his lesser seen roles to The Wolf Man and Of Mice and Men. Even a man who is pure in heart...

"In a half hour the moon will rise and I'll turn into a wolf""You and 20 million other guys"It's the conclusion of Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein! Here Jim & Livio take you on your first journey across the Borgo Pass in 2025... we will wrap up the film, and continue our discussion of it's enduring legacy! Whether you're celebrating the New Year, or recovering from last night - kick back and enjoy the conclusion of Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein!

"McDougal!!!"Merry Christmas to all of the travelers of the Borgo Pass Horror Podcast. Santa's gift for us all is arguably the most popular classic horror film - Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein. This is truly a cornerstone of the classic horror fanbase, and deservedly so. Made in 1948, we see Bela Lugosi's Dracula, Lon Chaney, Jr.'s The Wolf Man, and Glenn Strange's Frankenstein Monster for one last time. Join Jim & Livio this Christmas for the first half of this film, it's legacy, the actors, the production, and so much more!

Borgo Pass Horror Podcast co-founder Scott Kelley returns to help Jim delve into the twisted, pre-Code world of MAD LOVE, starring Peter Lorre, Colin Clive and Frances Drake!

Returning co-host Kat Hearons joins Jim to discuss the 1942 Monogram thriller Bowery at Midnight, staring Bela Lugosi.

Jim Towns and returning guest co-host Tony Salvaggio take a trek into the California desert, where atomic testing has given birth to an army of humongous and vicious ants, in 1954's THEM!

Five strangers gather in a spooky house filled with secrets during a terrible storm, and meanwhile two podcasters gather in different time zones to discuss it- join Borgo Pass host Jim Towns and Ian Bates of The Monster Archives podcast as they discuss James Whale's Frankenstein follow-up: 1932's THE OLD DARK HOUSE, starring Boris Karloff, Ernest Thesiger, Melvyn Douglas, Gloria Stuart, Lilian Bond, Raymond Massey and Charles Laughton. 

It's Bela Lugosi's birthday! And to celebrate, Livio invites author and film historian Greg Mank back to the show to talk about RKO Pictures 1945 film The Body Snatcher. Livio and Greg will take up the next 2.5 hours of your day to talk about this iconic Val Lewton film, it's stars, the production, comparisons between Val Lewton's horror films and Universals - and much, much more! Don't fear being burked or worry about no one keeping watch over your loved ones grave - Livio & Greg are keeping everyone entertained!

For your consideration: this radically underrated 1940 Paramount film featuring Basil Rathbone (Son of Frankenstein, Robin Hood, Sherlock Holmes), Ellen Drew (The Monster and the Girl) and Ralph Morgan (Night Monster) in a twisted tale of a psychiatric merry widower and the old doctor out to stop him. ALSO for your consideration, a freewheeling, late night conversation about the film by two published authors: regular host Jim Towns and returning guest host Jason Henderson (Castle of Horror podcaast/Castle Bridge Media), covering the twists and turns of the plot, and also where it diverges from your typical-era potboiler.

Horror artist and writer Audrey Rose aka @madmonsterlady joins Jim Towns to discuss 1933's The Ghoul!

Watch the skies!! And while you do, pop in some headphones and listen to Jim & Livio discuss Howard Hawk's 1951 classic "The Thing From Another World". A team of scientists and military officers discover a crashed frozen UFO in Alaska - and it's survivor. We tackle the impact of this film, the production, the nuances in the filmmaking, James Arness, and much more! 

Come aboard the SS Altair: it's all smooth sailing, except for the fact that its Captain is a homicidal maniac!Jim Towns and returning guest host David Ullman get to the bottom of this Val Lewton-produced RKO thriller from 1943, starring Richard Dix, Russell Wade, Edith Barrett and the great Skelton Knaggs!

Jim & Livio know NOTHING about insurance, and neither do the customers of Dr. Orloff. The Human Monster is a 1939 British horror film starring Bela Lugosi (originally titled the Dark Eyes Of London). One of Lugosi's more popular 'poverty row' films, he plays a dual role of Dr. Orloff and the meek and blind Professor Dearborn. Jim & Livio discuss Lugosi's almost-wartime trip across the pond, the production, the 'H' code the film received from censors, and much more! Alternate SidesA movie podcast with a twistListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Author and educator David Bowles joins Jim Towns to discuss this Val Lewton-produced masterpiece of suspense and horror: 1945's Isle of the Dead, starring Boris Karloff!

A Creature movie where the original incarnation of the Gill-Man appears for around 2 minutes! Jim & Livio tackle the third and final film of the Creature From The Black Lagoon series. In this film, a group of scientists (and their marital drama) do their best to change the Gill-Man into human form. Although this isn't the most action-packed movie, it is an underrated film that deserves a closer look. Come back to the Everglades one last time with us!

Jim & Livio are back to discuss Tod Browning's unique, cult classic Dracula follow up: Freaks. This is a true one of a kind film, with a good story that boasts a great cast. In this episode we tackle the impact and legacy of this film, as well as the plot and inner workings of Tod Browning. 

One hundred and four years ago, John Barrymore stepped off the stage and before the cameras to help bring Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novella (and its titular dual lead characters) to life. One hundred and four years later, Jim Towns and David Ullman dissect this trailblazing piece of classic horror cinema.

Tony and Jim raid again! Join us for part two of our discussion of the 1954 Toho Studios masterpiece Godzilla!

Kaiju connoisseur Tony Salvaggio returns to the Borgo Pass to discuss the original 1954 monster masterpiece Godzilla! (part 1 of 2)

Follow along as The Borgo Pass Horror Podcast investigates this great gothic mystery made by Universal Studios in 1944, which features many Universal Horror talents both in front and behind the camera! Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone) and Dr. John Watson (Nigel Bruce) find themselves in Canada, on the trail of a murdering ghost!

Which one's the dead guy?? Join Jim and Livio and they tackle this in their review of the 1955 film Abbott and Costello Meet The Mummy. A later film in the A&C series, but not without humor, charm, and a bit of spookiness! 

Returning co-host David Ullman joins Jim Towns for a foray into the esoteric world of Carl Theodor Dreyer's 1932 gothic masterpiece Vampyr!

 Mantan Moreland, Lionel Atwill, Anne Gwynne, Shemp Howard, Samuel S. Hinds, A gorilla suit, fish bowl glasses, more plot twists than you could ever hope for - This is just some of the lunacy that Jim and Livio tackle as we discuss 1942's Strange Case of Dr RX. This is a 'deep cut' in the Universal Horror cycle - so dust off those fish bowl glasses, and journey with us as we try to make sense of this! 

In this audio version of the livestream, Jim is joined by Ian Bates from @UniversalStudiosMonsters and award-winning filmmaker, animator and top-tier Monster Kid Frank Dietz, to commemorate the life and work of David J. Skal: author, scholar and advocate for all things monsterific. Join them as they discuss David's influence on the course of each of their respective careers, and his prodigious influence on both classic monster scholarship and culture.

Musician, graphic designer and horrorphile Chris Sahlin joins Jim to talk about Columbia Pictures' lesser-known 1944 werewolf film Cry of the Werewolf!

This... is the Inner Sanctum! Jim & Livio finish 2023 just how they started it - by delving into another Inner Sanctum mystery, Calling Dr. Death. This is the inaugural Inner Sanctum starring Lon Chaney, Jr and also features the stunning Patricia Morison, as well as Universal regular J. Carrol Naish. Crack open a bottle of bubbly this New Years, and join us for an in depth look at this underrated Inner Sanctum mystery! Alternate SidesA movie podcast with a twistListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

 Jim & Livio are back! and to celebrate, we are joining the soon to be indicted Carl Denham as he escapes back to Skull Island where he finds - the late King Kong's 12ft offspring. This is a hidden gem of a sequel, and we break it all down for you. Make sure to enjoy before the next Tropical Earthquake! 

Texas-based author and educator David Bowles joins Jim Towns for a plunge into a true Universal horror one-off: the 1931 Spanish language version of Dracula, which was filmed at night on the same stages as the Browning/Lugosi version, and which stars an entirely different cast including Carlos Villarilla as Conde Dracula and Lupita Tovar as Eva [Mina].This excellently produced version of the film matches its English-language cousin in many ways, but at almost 30 minutes longer it also offers a fascinating alternative version of the film, including shots and sometimes entire scenes left unfilmed or edited out in the better-known version... as well as a less-inhibited telling of the classic vampire tale. So have a seat, and escuchar to our latest episode!

We're baaaccckk! Jim and Livio make a spooky return and dive into a fun "Poverty Row" film - The Devil Bat. This is one of several low budget horror movies starring Bela Lugosi from the 40's. We go into Lugosi's impact in these roles, his broader impact in our pop culture, the shortcuts of the production and of course, the film itself. Enjoy just in time for Halloween - and be careful of the aftershave you put on!

 Jim & Livio return to the depths of the Amazon! In this episode we cover the first of two sequels to Creature From The Black Lagoon. We talk about everything from the story, the differences between the first two films, the logistics of filming in Florida, and much much more! 

For this episode Jim and frequent co-host David Ullman dive deep into RKO's 1943 Jacques Tournier/Val Lewton masterpiece I WALKED WITH A ZOMBIE- Betsy is a nurse sent to the Caribbean island of San Sebastian to care for Jessica Holland, an invalid woman. There she finds family secrets, forbidden love, and zombies.With a screenplay co-penned by Curt Siodmak (The Wolf Man) and based on Jayne Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, this film tells an atmospheric and seductive story filled with complex characters and interrelationships, painted in gorgeous black and white with a visual master's brush. Co-starring Francis Dee, Tom Conway and Darby Jones.

Jim & Livio wrap up with part two on the Phantom of the Opera! We cover the last half of the film, Chaney's make-up, the alternate endings, and the legacy of this movie!

What happens when Jim & Livio watch two different versions of the same movie? Find out in part 1 of our 2 episode discussion of the 1925 Phantom Of The Opera! This is truly a cornerstone for Universal Horror - the source code, as Jim calls it - and in part 1, we talk about the impact of the film, its stars, the many directors, as well as breaking down the first half of the film, the 1925 version. Feast your eyes, glut your soul on this accursed episode! 

Jim Towns and returning guest co-host Tony Salvaggio get into 1945's Jungle Captive, the third installment in Universal's Ape Woman series-- and their final monster franchise.Jungle Captive stars Vicky Lane (taking over for Acquanetta as Paula DuPree/the Ape Woman), cult favorite Rondo Hatton (House of Horrors/Brute Man/Spider Woman Strikes Back), Otto Kruger (Dracula's Daughter), and Phil Brown (Weird Woman/Star Wars: A New Hope). Directed by Harold Young and written by Dwight Babcock and M. Coates Webster. 

This podcast is on the loose and we're dancing with the devil! Jim & Livio tackle the last chapter of the Kharis story - 1944's The Mummy's Curse. In this episode, we break down the story, the breakneck shooting schedule, the timeline of the Kharis films, and much much more! So - HEY YOU! Give this one a listen!

Borgo Pass Horror Podcast presents another episode of "We Are the Monsters", hosted by Ian Bates of @Universalstudiosmonsters on Instagram. This episode features a live chat with Ian and Borgo Pass hosts Jim Towns and Livio Merino.Lon Chaney Jr. was the only actor to play Larry Talbot AKA the Wolf Man in the character's five appearances in Universal films, and the actor's connection to the character goes beyond simple casting. In this 90 minute live chat, the hosts review the history of the films, their key players, and the cultural echo they generated, which still lives on today.

Join Jim & Livio as they tackle the fourth and final serious entry in the Universal Invisible Man series: 1944's The Invisible Man's Revenge. Jon Hall is in his second outing as the invisible one, though playing a different character. John Carradine gives a fantastic performance as the eccentric Dr. Drury, and the movie also boasts Gale Sondergaard, Lester Matthews, Evelyn Ankers and even Skelton Knaggs! Learn all about this story, it's place in the series and everything in between!

Series host Jim Towns is joined by returning guest co-host David Ullman for a 90-minute deep dive into a unique and underappreciated piece of undead noir cinema: as The Borgo Pass Horror Podcast presents The Return of Dr. X!Released by Warner Bros. in 1939, this film features silver screen icon Humphrey Bogart in his ONLY horror role as Marshall Quesne aka Dr. Maurice Xavier: a pathological surgeon who was sent to the electric chair for his hideous experiments--then brought back by medicine to a form of half-life, hunting for victims with his same rare blood type.Brash reporter Walter Garrett (Wayne Morris) and his friend Dr. Michael Rhodes (Dennis Morgan) must race to solve the mystery of Dr. X, and save lovely Joan Vance (Rosemary Lane) before she becomes the next victim to fall under Quesne's scalpel.

The conclusion of our two part episode on Ghost of Frankenstein! Jim & Livio wrap up with the films action packed climax, discussion on the fate of Ygor, what the ending meant for the rest of the series and much more!

Jim & Livio tackle Universal's 4th film in the Frankenstein series, and the first without Karloff - 1942's The Ghost Of Frankenstein. In part 1, they discuss the production, it's value compared to the first 3, Lon Chaney's busy year at Universal, and much much more!